For the seventh consecutive year, MusicNOW is proud to present a program of exciting new music from some of the most adventurous artists working today.

This year’s festival features composers Philip Glass and Nico Muhly. Muhly is a prolific composer and collaborator, in 2011 he premeired two (!) operas - “Dark Sisters” a commission from the Metropolitan Opera and “Two Boys” a commission from the English National Opera. His more pop oriented work includes collaborations with Antony and the Johnsons, Bjørk, Jonsi (Sigur Ros) and Grizzly Bear. Two new works from Muhly will be premiered at the festival – a commission for eighth blackbird and a workshop presentation of a new song cycle collaboration between Muhly, Sufjan Stevens and Bryce Dessner.

The New York Times describes eighth blackbird as “a dexterous sextet that balances trills and tempos.” They will be joined by special guest Philip Glass to perform “Music in Similar Motion” and will also premiere Muhly’s new, yet to be titled commission. MusicNOW is also pleased to present a FREE organ concert at Christchurch Cathedral featuring James McVinnie formerly of Westminster Abbey in London. The organ program includes a new composition by Richard Reed Parry and a new composition from Pulitzer Prize winning composer David Lang along with pieces by Philip Glass, Bach, and Arvo Part. McVinnie will also perform Nico Muhly's “O Antiphon Prelude.”

Pedro Soler returns to the festival this year and will be joined by his son Gaspar Claus to share work from their recent, Bryce Dessner produced recording, “Barlande,” an improvisation combining traditional flamenco guitar and cello.

Tickets for the festival will be onsale January 27th at 10 am. Tickets are available at Brown Paper Tickets. Individual show tickets are $25 and festival passes will be available for $35.

The full festival schedule is as follows:

March 28: Free organ concert with James McVinnie at Christ Church Cathedral. Doors at 7:00 pm, show at 7:30 pm.

March 29: eighth blackbird with special guest Philip Glass at Memorial Hall. Doors at 7:00 pm, show at 7:30 pm.

MusicNOW was founded in 2006 by Bryce Dessner of The National. Through the years, the festival has invited contemporary musicians and risk-taking artists who do not fit neatly into genre defined categories. Past performances have included festival-only collaborations, world premiere compositions, and sold out audiences. The festival has featured Sharon Van Etten, The National, Justin Vernon, Joanna Newsome, Andrew Bird, Toumani Diabate, Bang on a Can, Grizzly Bear, Sufjan Stevens, Glenn Kotche, and Kyaw Kyaw Naing among others. MusicNOW is presented by Chamber Music Cincinnati.